The purpose of this information is to educate the general public as to the responsibility of owning an Alaskan Malamute BEFORE you purchase one.

I like to know that when someone enquires to purchase one of our Malamute babies or are looking to take on possibly an older rescue dog, that the dog, whether it be a puppy or an older dog, will have a permanent, loving home. We strive to prevent unwanted or abandoned Malamutes from turning up in dogs homes and Malamute rescue, or worse still, wandering the streets & the mountainsides (yes Malamutes have been abandoned on mountainsides and in forests; left to hunger and die).

All too often the fate of some of the unwanted mals is euthanasia coming about through no fault of the dogs own but rather due to lack of training and socialization and often being left in gardens alone like some kind of garden ornament this type of environment and life can have detrimental impact to the malamute’s temperament and behaviour.

There is no such thing as a bad mal just bad breeders and uneducated owners!

 A reputable breeder will take the responsibility to see that any puppy bred by them will go to the right type of home and owners, a good breeder will vet all potential owners thoroughly and where possible do a home check also a responsible breeder takes responsibility of what they breed for life! However, I firmly believe that the new owner must share in this responsibility as buying a dog is an important and life altering decision and buying a dog of any kind is not a decision to be taken lightly.

All prospective new owners should take time to learn about the Malamute first through books, magazines and the breed Clubs. The breed clubs are made up of members familiar with the breed. Amongst these members will be owners and breeders who are an excellent source of information covering all areas of malamute ownership

Another good place to start is to ask a few basic questions of yourself and when you have the answers, you will know if a Malamute is for you.

Are you familiar with the breed, the temperament and the conformation? Do you accept the negative aspects of Malamute ownership along with the positive ones?

Why do you want an Alaskan malamute? Have you ever known one personally? They are far more than a pretty face in a smart suit!

Do you realize that this adorable puppy will grow to about 100 times its birth weight in one year's time? Males may attain a height of 27 inches at the shoulder and sometimes larger, and females can reach up to 26 inches. This is a whole lot of dog with a huge responsibility attached to its ownership.

Do you realise this is not a breed you can allow to run free in the park to play with other dogs, they must be under control at all times? Malamutes need a lot of training to master off lead recall. A lot as in ‘at least 2yrs’ - not just ‘the first few months’. Selective deafness can and does strike the malamute at any age or stage, even when you think you have your Mal totally under control it can spring a runaway surprise on you, also you can never fully trust your mally off lead with strange dogs, your mally may be the best natured mally on the planet but it wont have to be asked twice to respond to an act of aggression by another dog. Even if that little terrier caused all the commotion, it is your dog and the breed who will suffer the blame.

Do you have the proper facilities for such a large dog and an area, preferably highly fenced, and secure where he may exercise and play?

Will your neighbours accept such a large dog, or do you have friends or family who are afraid of large dogs. How will you cope if a problem arises from this?

How does the rest of your family feel about owning a Malamute? Sometimes, if the husband or wife wants the dog and the other does not, this may not have a good chance of working. Remember also that it is usually the wife who is the primary care-giver and if there is a new baby, one expected or planned soon, will she be able and willing to give the extra time and care necessary for this canine member of the family?

Are there other members of the family, perhaps seniors or fragile through illness, that may have a problem dealing with a large dog about the house?

Will a Malamute fit into your lifestyle? Do you have other animals, such as a cat, that will adapt to a large dog, especially if one of them is an older animal. Do you understand that Malamutes generally do not thrive alongside same sex canines. They have a natural tendency to same sex dominance - again continued and prolonged training and socialization is needed to combat this tendency. If you already have a dog, selection of the opposite sex would be the most natural step. If your present dog is particularly domineering, or has behaviour problems or is generally ill trained, it would pay to wait before getting a mal.

Will you travel often? What arrangements will be made for the dog if you do not plan to take him along? Some Malamutes do not fare well in a kennel boarding situation as they become very attached to their owners. They are people dogs, if he is to be your pet, a life spent in solitary, locked in a kennel or chained in the backyard will seriously affect the way he views you and others

Many malamute puppies are destructive if left for long periods of time to get bored, will you cope if you have a destructive bored malamute?

Are you fully prepared and ready to...
1. Take full responsibility for this dog and all its needs for the next 8 - 12 years? This is NOT a task that can be left to children!
2. Invest the considerable time, money and patience it takes to train the dog to be a good companion? (This does not happen by itself!)
3. Always keep the dog safe; no running loose, or being chained up outside?
4. Make sure the dog gets enough attention and exercise? (Mals need several hours of both, every day!)
5. Live with shedding and high activity for the next 10-15 years?
6. Spend the money it takes to provide proper veterinary care including but certainly not limited to: vaccination, regular worming and flea prevention, spaying or neutering and annual check ups?
7. Become educated about the proper care of the breed, correct training methods and how to groom? (There are many good books available, invest the time to read a few.)
8. Keep the breeder informed and up to date on the dog’s accomplishments and problems?
9. Take your questions to the breeder or other appropriate professional before they become problems that are out of hand?
10. Have the patience to accept (and enjoy) the trials of puppy-hood, which can last for five years, and each stage afterward?
11. Continue to accept responsibility for the dog despite inevitable life changes such as new babies, kids going off to school, moving or returning to work?
12. Resist impulse buying; instead have the patience to make a responsible choice?
 
If you answered yes to ALL of the above you are ready to start contacting breeders

Our Tops Tips on selecting the right breeder & Pup